A ‘sense of urgency’ is needed to conclude the ‘expensive’ IPCC investigation into the death of Leon Briggs, Beds PCC Olly Martins has urged.
County police and crime commissioner Olly Martins has called on the Independent Police Complaints Commission to step up its investigation into the death of the Luton father-of-two, who was detained by officers under section 136 of the Mental Health Act on November 4 last year.
Five police officers and a staff member remain suspended as the probe continues, costing the taxpayer £24,000 a month.
Mr Martins, who himself was the subject of an IPCC investigation into a leak of information, has urged the body to conclude its Leon Briggs probe to alleviate the financial burden on the force.
He said: “We are currently looking at around a quarter of a million pounds a year– and we still have no result.
“This is money that should be used for policing, whatever the findings of the investigation.
He added: “Of course, it’s very important to be fair to all concerned but I believe that a long drawn-out inquiry is not helping anyone.
“Mr Briggs’ family have waited a long time to have some closure, and the officers involved and their families will also be affected.
“What I would like to see is some sense of urgency in relation to concluding this investigation, together with the application of the extra resources IPCC has received, for the benefit of all involved.”
The IPCC’s investigation continues as there remains “reasonable suspicion that criminal offences may have been committed” prior to Mr Briggs’ death.